If you're still reading this, you're either in your fantasy championship or love fantasy football. If the former applies -- congrats! If it's the latter, might I suggest a dynasty league? Whatever the case, the fantasy semi-finals were full of massive performances to help propel you to a championship appearance.
In a pleasant surprise (and perhaps some atonement for costing his owners a TD in Week 15) Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor was a man on a mission in their win over the Tennessee Titans. The fifth-year pro reminded everyone of his upside on Sunday when he trampled the Titans for 218 yards and three touchdowns. Or perhaps it was Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson's 10-catch, 144-yard, two-TD outing that helped seal your victory. Whoever it was, scoring was back up again this week overall -- right when we needed it. Additionally, we saw fewer injuries in Week 16 than in previous weeks. However, the few we did have could be quite significant.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (elbow) was seen favoring his hand during Sunday's weird meeting with the New England Patriots. It turned out to be an elbow contusion that Allen picked up during the game. Per himself, he's fine, but something was off about him in their win.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) was forced from his team's loss to the Washington Commanders and did not return due to a concussion. It's hard to imagine the stud QB clears protocol before their matchup with the Cowboys next Sunday, but crazier things have happened. Backup QB Kenny Pickett is projected to start in his stead.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (hamstring) was also forced from his team's contest and did not return. According to head coach Raheem Morris, London could have reentered during their rout of the Giants (suggesting he should be fine moving forward). Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) was forced from the Cardinals' loss to the Panthers with what appeared to be a hyperextension. There's currently been no additional update, but Arizona is currently short-staffed at running back, with backups DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter the only active RBs without a designation.
Lastly, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) did not return to the team's loss to the Minnesota Vikings with an ankle injury. He was estimated as a non-participant on Monday ahead of their road tilt with the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football.
As always, this column assumes PPR scoring and will only feature players around or under 50% ownership on Yahoo!. Let's get into a critical week of waiver adds.
Additionally, if the players mentioned in this article are unavailable or you’re looking for more options, check out "Streamers For The Desperate - Week 17" by ASL Founder Leonard LaPadula!
Quarterback Streamers
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (7% Owned)
In all honesty, even I can't believe I'm recommending him. Still, Carolina QB Bryce Young has been pretty solid over the last month. For starters, I've watched him play, and he's undoubtedly improved. The 23-year-old is making good reads and has been impressive when working outside the pocket. There are still some occasional bad throws, but when they're good -- they're outstanding.
Dropped it in the bucket
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 22, 2024
📺: Fox pic.twitter.com/E7elLVhNjU
Not only does Young have at least one passing score in eight straight games, but he's ticked up his rushing production as well -- finding the end zone on the ground in three of his last four outings. The Panthers are playing tough football, and it looks like they'll continue to try and play spoiler over the final few weeks. They've already knocked the Arizona Cardinals out of playoff contention and get another vulnerable matchup in Week 17 against their division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay is allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks in 2024 (21.6) and has let up 24 passing scores to just seven interceptions, which makes Young a solid add-and-start.
Running Backs
Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders (23% Owned)
The Raiders have had some bad injury luck with their RBs over the past few weeks, leaving them with teammates Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah splitting work in the backfield. Mattison continues to get more work on the ground, but Abdullah has been better and continues to outperform the former -- particularly in the fantasy department.
The 31-year-old was again heavily involved in the Raiders' passing attack, notching his second straight game with at least six targets. Additionally, QB Aidan O'Connell is not afraid to take the check down, and that should continue to keep Abdullah in the conversation of viable fantasy backs -- especially in PPR leagues. He was abysmal rushing the football in Week 15 (3/8) but was much better this past Sunday (7/38) and outgained Mattison by 11 yards on five fewer carries.
The veteran garners some high-end FLEX appeal heading into a fantasy championship week bout with a beatable New Orleans Saints defense. Leading up to Week 16, New Orleans has allowed the eleventh-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
Wide Receivers
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (45% Owned)
Tampa Bay WR Jalen McMillan wasn't all that impressive while wide receiver Mike Evans recovered from a hamstring injury. However, he's been a strong contributor over the last few weeks with Evans drawing the defense's top coverage. This is not to take anything away from the rookie, but just a note that he was ineffective as the only show in town.
Jalen McMillan with a sliding catch on a Baker Mayfield throw for the Bucs TD! 🏈 #NFL #SNF pic.twitter.com/kPODAnrGDT
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 23, 2024
The 23-year-old has been superb over the last three weeks, tallying four touchdowns and 191 receiving yards across 14 receptions (20 targets). It's a nice stretch for McMillan, and this offense is exciting to have pieces of while QB Baker Mayfield continues to play lights out. With Tampa Bay still fighting for their division, expect them to come out guns blazing next weekend in an outing against the visiting Carolina Panthers.
Carolina has been playing good ball and should keep this one competitive, which makes the Panthers a dream matchup for the Bucs. To that end, if there was any game to start McMillan -- it's this one.
Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars (2% Owned)
Jaguars WR Parker Washington is more of a deep-league add with slim pickings on the wire and fantasy titles at stake but is still worth noting. With quarterback Mac Jones playing competent football, there's been room to support both wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and one other pass-catcher. That additional pass-catching role has been rotated between Washington and tight end Brenton Strange for the last few weeks. However, the former has been more consistent and has begun to emerge as a reliable second option.
The 22-year-old is a savvy route-runner and runs a ton of out-breaking patterns while simultaneously being good at them too. Washington has short-area quickness and does well in fighting at the top of his route, so there could be something here in the long term if he continues to develop. For now, he's a nice low-end WR3 in PPR formats (though he does have a stiff test on Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans).
Tennessee isn't the most favorable matchup for wide receivers, but Jones has been decent and Washington has come on in recent weeks. Additionally, someone other than Brian Thomas Jr. eventually has to step up.
Tight Ends
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans (7% Owned)
Another interesting option on a team that recently changed quarterbacks is Titan's TE Chigoziem Okonkwo. The third-year pro has been heavily involved since quarterback Mason Rudolph took over for a benched Will Levis, and it's worth noting that head coach Brian Callahan declined to confirm whether Rudolph would start moving forward. Still, Okonkwo is showing the upside we've been waiting for.
The Maryland product has racked up a healthy target total in the last two weeks (21), combining for 17 receptions and 140 yards. He's an athletic freak, and if the Titans have finally decided to unleash him, then he's someone we want on our radar. At this point, you've likely got your tight end locked up, but if you need a bit of upside -- Chig is your guy.
He'll get a vulnerable spot in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road. Jacksonville has been a dream matchup this season, having difficulty stopping any offense from having their way. Okonkwo's outlook takes a hit with Levis back at the helm but would be a full go with Rudolph calling signals. Stash and start him if you need help and see what happens.
In conclusion, Week 17 is the time to dig deep and make those pivotal waiver wire moves that could seal your fantasy football championship. Whether it's grabbing a rising star like Bryce Young or banking on steady production from veterans like Ameer Abdullah, every decision matters. Stay vigilant with injury reports, as key players like Jalen Hurts and Kenneth Walker III could leave gaps in your roster, making the right pickups even more important. The fantasy title is within reach, so trust your instincts, make those smart adds, and play your best lineups to secure the win!
